Jakoa denies Orang Asli land confiscation claims

Malaysia's Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) has firmly denied claims that gazetted Orang Asli land has been confiscated. The agency issued a statement asserting that such allegations are inaccurate and that no Orang Asli land designated by law has been seized.

"For the record, to date, no gazetted Orang Asli land has been confiscated as alleged," Jakoa stated. The department, under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), acknowledged receiving a memorandum containing views and proposals from relevant parties. It assured that all raised issues would be thoroughly reviewed before any appropriate action is taken.

The KKDW reiterated its dedication to the well-being of the Orang Asli community. The ministry emphasized its commitment to understanding and addressing the community's issues, needs, and aspirations, ensuring their voices, interests, and welfare are consistently prioritized.

Earlier, the KKDW received a memorandum concerning the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134). The memorandum was submitted by Pertubuhan Perlindungan Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA), Greenpeace Malaysia, and a coalition of Malaysian Orang Asli NGOs. The document was handed over to an official representative of the Deputy Minister of KKDW by legal representatives of the NGOs.

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For the record, to date, no gazetted Orang Asli land has been confiscated as alleged.